Know your obligations when exporting to the UK

Mandatory Safety and Security Declaration as of 31 January 2025

Questions on Brexit?

Safety and Security Declaration for all exports to the UK

The British government has taken the next step in the implementation of the Border Operating Target Model (BTOM). With the effect from 31 January 2025, all export cargo that is moved from the European Union (EU) to the United Kingdom (UK) will require a Safety and Security Declaration (S&S Declaration), also known as an Entry Summary Declaration or ENS, prior to arrival at the British port.

S&S Declarations must be submitted no later than two hours before arrival at the British port. In the case of shortsea traffic, the British government holds the shipping line/ship agent responsible for a timely and correct declaration; for RoRo traffic, this is respectively the ferry operator (for unaccompanied transport) or the inland operator (for accompanied transport). DFDS, P&O Ferries and Stena Line offer the option to take over this task from the inland operator. CLdN however requires the inland operator to run the S&S through them.

‘S&S Declaration RoRo transport’ ‘S&S Declaration ‘shortsea transport’

The British government also issues flyers on S&S Declarations for goods entering the UK from the EU via respectively the Eurotunnel, by rail and by air.

Click here for more information on how to submit and S&S declaration. More detailed information on the introduction of S&S Declarations is available on this website.

Certificate requirement and inspections at the British border

A BTOM measure previously introduced by the UK is the certificate requirement for incoming phytosanitary and veterinary cargo with a medium risk level and up. In addition, these kinds of cargoes are inspected at Border Control Posts (BCPs).

This information will help you on your way

Do you want to check what is required prior to exporting phytosanitary and veterinary cargo to the UK? Or are you confronted with unexpected situations, such as cargo that is returned unexpectedly? This information will help you on your way (only available in Dutch):

Tips from evofenedex on avoiding pitfalls
Overview compiled by the RVO of the rules and a step-by-step plan for export
Explanation from NVWA on procedures should your veterinary cargo of phytosanitary cargo be returned unexpectedly
Dutch Customs regulations for returning goods

Prepare for new rules on entering the EU (ICS2)

Not a Brexit measure, but essential for bringing goods into the European Union (EU) from the UK: the introduction by EU Customs of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) for the maritime sector.

Implementation has already started. Basically, ICS2 means that more information is required for being able to submit the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) and Temporary Storage Declaration (ATO).

Read here what the ferry companies are asking of you because of ICS2.

Tips for smooth transport

As an exporter, this is important to do!

BAR Ondernemer met bloembollen 2400x1600

Become familiar with applying for phytosanitary or veterinary certificates and the inspections preceding them.
Read more
Immerse yourself in the necessary steps for smooth transport through ports on both the Dutch and UK sides.
Read more
Consult with your logistics service provider in good time about adjustments in your logistics chain.
With groupage, for instance, avoid inspections in the UK of high- and medium-risk products slow down your low-risk shipments. Read more

As a logistics provider, this is important to do!

Make arrangements with your principals about applying for phytosanitary or veterinary certificates and the inspections preceding these.
Read more
Immerse yourself in the necessary steps for smooth transport through ports on both the Dutch and UK sides.
Read more
Think carefully about the organisation of your logistics chain.
With groupage, for example, make sure that inspections in the UK of high- and medium-risk products do not delay the transport of low-risk shipments. Read more

What you need to know

6 key topics for smooth transport to and from the UK.

Existing customs rules remain unchanged

The customs rules already introduced by the UK because of Brexit remain unchanged. Make sure you comply with these rules. This will prevent cargo from stalling at the UK border or even already in the Dutch port.

Brexit knowledge base

In our knowledge base, you will find the answers to many questions about your transport to and from the UK after Brexit.

FAQ’s

These organisations help

Go to knowledge base

UK Customs Approach

Latest Brexit news

20 January 2025

Newsletter: REMINDER! Mandatory Safety and Security Declaration as of 31 January 2025 prior to transport to the United Kingdom

Get Ready for Brexit-newsletter – In just a few more weeks,…

15 December 2024

Newsletter: Mandatory Safety and Security Declaration as of 31 January 2025 prior to transport to the United Kingdom

8 October 2024

United Kingdom postpones mandatory ENS until 31 January 2025

22 July 2024

Prepare for new rules on entering the EU (ICS2)

7 May 2024

DEFRA: summary of BTOM operational learnings and commonly asked queries since 30 April

View all news

New to transport to and from the UK

The Dutch Brexit solution?

Since the introduction of Brexit in 2021, you are required to complete 5 simple steps to ensure smooth transport through the Dutch ports. This applies to both inbound and outbound cargo.

All ferry and shortsea terminals make this chain-wide Get Ready for Brexit approach mandatory. Only correctly pre-notified cargo can enter and leave the terminal. From importer, exporter and forwarder to carrier and driver: everyone has a task to perform for Get Ready for Brexit. Together, we ensure that every transport to and from the United Kingdom always runs smoothly.

Watch the solution in 3 minutes

This means Brexit for you as:

Customs Agent

Importer

Transporter

Forwarder

Exporter

Software supplier

Initiating partners

Supporting the logistics business via Get Ready for Brexit is a joint initiative of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Portbase, Deltalinqs, evofenedex, Fenex and TLN.